"It was a wonderful experience interacting with you and appreciate the way you have planned and executed the whole publication process within the agreed timelines.”
Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh Pal
The book is a heart-warming collection of light-hearted anecdotes from the author’s 35-year journey in the Indian Army. It blends humour, camaraderie, and nostalgia, offering a rare glimpse into the whimsical moments that often go unnoticed behind the disciplined facade of military life. From training escapades to operational challenges, the stories chronicle lively friendships, unexpected blunders, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood. Each tale concludes with a poignant self-composed couplet, adding a lyrical charm to the journey. This book is not just a tribute to the lighter side of the olive green days but a celebration of the human spirit amidst duty and discipline.
SK Kataria
The author is a senior Army veteran who served the nation with distinction for 35 years in the Corps of Engineers, leaving behind a legacy marked by leadership, camaraderie, and an unwavering spirit. From the sun-scorched deserts of Rajasthan to the snowbound heights of Ladakh, his journey saw him rise to hold some of the top coveted executive appointments - Chief Engineer in Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Military Engineering Services (MES), Corps Chief Engineer, and Centre Commandant of the Bengal Sappers - a rare honour for an engineer officer of Brigadier rank to have served in all three pillars of the Corps, thus reflecting his versatility and professional excellence. His expertise in man management, budget oversight, and strategic planning, particularly in long-term equipment planning for the Corps, underscores his forward-thinking leadership style.
His career spanned instructional, staff, and command assignments, each bringing its own set of challenges. Yet, behind the grit and discipline lay a softer, often unseen side of military life - one filled with quirky incidents, practical jokes, and friendships that stood the test of time. It is these lighter moments that the author fondly recalls and brings to life through his writing.
Writing came to him naturally after retirement, starting with his debut book ‘Life's Little Laughs : Delightful Tales From Our AWHO Society’, inspired by the everyday humour of community living. Encouraged by family and friends, he turned his pen towards his life in uniform, capturing the human side of soldiering in ‘Looking Back : The Lighter Side of Olive Green Days’. His stories, often infused with gentle humour and self-deprecating wit, offer a refreshing glimpse into the camaraderie and small joys that kept spirits high, even in the toughest times.
A keen golfer with a 'Hole in One' to his credit, an amateur singer who can liven up any gathering with retro Hindi melodies, and a passionate world traveller, he continues to live life with enthusiasm and curiosity, embracing every new chapter with the same vigour that defined his years in uniform. He shares this journey with his wife, Sapna, his steadfast companion and biggest cheerleader, proving that behind every story is a partnership built on laughter, love, and shared memories.
